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must-visit in Te AnauNational Park & Nature

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

📍 Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Te Anau, Southland, New Zealand
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
1 photos
3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
New Zealand, Te Anau
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
2-2.5 hours
Address
Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Te Anau, Southland, New Zealand
Coordinates
-45.3760, 167.7060

Introduction

Te Anau Glowworm Caves is one of the South Island's most stunning natural wonders. Accessible by boat across Lake Te Anau, the caves feature thousands of glowworms lighting up the ceiling like stars, underground waterfalls and cave formations — an unforgettable experience. By boat (~30 min) across Lake Te Anau. Thousands of glowworms — like a starry sky. Underground waterfall. Guided tour with boat ride.

✨ Highlights

1
Glowworms
Thousands of glowworms — like a starry sky on the ceiling.
2
Boat
Boat ride across Lake Te Anau to the caves.
3
Waterfall
Underground waterfall and cave formations.
4
Guided
Guided tour with boat ride included.

🛈 Practical Info

→Booking:Book ahead; often sold out in peak.
→Boat:Includes Lake Te Anau boat ride.
→Combine:With Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
→Access:Departs from Te Anau lakeside wharf.
→Duration:2-2.5 hours with boat.
→Transportation:Boats leave the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau; check in 30 minutes early, closing five minutes before; about 2 hours 45 minutes by road from Queenstown and 30 from Manapouri.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFrom NZD 154 for an adult, shown on the page as From NZD $154
StudentChild and other bands are priced inside the booking widget by date and the page text gives no figure
ChildThe site warns that part of the tour must be spent in total silence in the glowworm cavern, so it may not suit younger children
Free AdmissionBooking direct online carries a 1 percent contribution to conservation

The fare covers the scenic lake cruise, the guided cave tour on foot and by small boat with no more than twelve guests per guide, and tea and coffee. The cave sits at a constant 8 to 12 degrees, so the site asks for grip shoes, a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, and its packing list mentions a camera while the same page bans photography and filming underground.

💡 Tips

• Book ahead; boat ride included.
• With Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
• Information is with operator and on-site.

FAQ

How much is the admission for Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

Adult: From NZD 154 for an adult, shown on the page as From NZD $154; Student: Child and other bands are priced inside the booking widget by date and the page text gives no figure; Child: The site warns that part of the tour must be spent in total silence in the glowworm cavern, so it may not suit younger children; Free Admission: Booking direct online carries a 1 percent contribution to conservation; The fare covers the scenic lake cruise, the guided cave tour on foot and by small boat with no more than twelve guests per guide, and tea and coffee. The cave sits at a constant 8 to 12 degrees, so the site asks for grip shoes, a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, and its packing list mentions a camera while the same page bans photography and filming underground.

Any practical tips for visiting Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

Book ahead; boat ride included. With Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

How long should I spend at Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

A typical visit takes 2-2.5 hours.

Details here follow realnz.com; hours, prices and access change with the season and events, so please check realnz.com before you go.

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